Are You at Risk From Drugs in Drinking Water in New Jersey?

Ever wondered how drugs in drinking water became such an area of concern? One of the reasons is that while many other contaminants are regulated, there is no regulation on allowable levels of drugs in drinking water. In this article, we will review some recent findings of interest to all.

In a investigative report by the AP, surveys and test data for water supplies in over 50 cities were reviewed.

In the northern New Jersey findings, the report showed that caffeine, carbamazepine, codeine, cotinine, dehydronifedipine, diphenhydramine and sulfathiazole were identified in the samples tested.

In Northern New Jersey, the Passaic Valley Water Commission serves more than 800,000 people in Clifton, Passaic and Paterson and surrounding towns. The watersheds that Northern New Jersey relies on are the Passaic and Ramapo Rivers,

New Jersey legislators held hearings to understand the potential threats to the drinking water supply. Local environmental groups such as the New Jersey Environmental Foundation testified to the need for new standards for detection of drugs in our drinking water, as well as research to understand the long term effects.

In reaction to the AP summary report, the United States Senate held hearings on the lack of progress of research to detect drugs in drinking water. This action was intended to put pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency to move out on the issue.

However, Congress needs to do its part as well. The Clean Water Act and the Safe Water Drinking Act will need to be amended to call out appropriate allowable levels of drugs found in our drinking water.

Once the lawmakers include these amendments, then the EPA can enforce the new law.

Make no mistake about it, drugs in drinking water is an area of concern for consumers. Fortunately, you can take action to protect yourself against this and other potential hazards. By putting a water purification system in your home, you can greatly improve the quality of your drinking water. A submicron filter component will eliminate cysts and other organisms, as well as filter unwanted drugs. It is important to have a component that removes lead and other toxic metals. The best systems remove these unwanted substances and leave healthy minerals in the filtered water. Take the time to research the best systems, then make your selection!